Two years after the Legislature passed the so-called Surly bill to let breweries serve beer to customers in the same place where its made, Ansari broke ground on a brewery he hopes will be a destination for visitors from around the world.

Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat on Tuesday recalled meeting with Ansari at a local restaurant back when the idea was still a dream.

“I’m thinking this guy has got some big ideas. And then when he said he wants to go change the law … and I said, there’s no way you’re going to change that law after doing a little bit of research. But he certainly did,” said Opat.

“This is an exciting day. I’m looking forward to hoisting that first beer.”

The $20 million dollar brewery, which will include a bar and restaurant, is scheduled to open next year.

About the blogger

Brandt Williams is a reporter with MPR News’ Metro Unit. At MPR, Brandt has extensively covered city government, public safety and courts; race and justice; and livability issues in the city of Minneapolis. Brandt grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Speech Communications in 1991.